Columns

INSIDE CI: Procrastination Doesn't Pay

The monthly roundup from Editor-in-Chief Susan Sutton.

The front right tire on my car has been nearly flat for going on a year now. Whenever I go to get my oil changed, the attendant always very kindly reminds me that I need to get it checked out. I don’t know why I’m so reticent to look into it. I’m sure that, by now, it’s past the patching point and will need to be replaced, which will also undoubtedly necessitate the purchase of a second new tire, since apparently they need to match. (I vaguely remember the mechanic saying something like that during my last tire purchase, when they refused to rotate my previous set of tires for safety reasons. I guess no amount of rotating can make almost completely bald tires fit for the road.)

If I’d just taken the car in when this first started, I’d now be driving on a decent tire and I wouldn’t be obsessing about the fact that I need to take it in. And the whole procedure would probably have cost at least half as much as it’s now going to cost me since I’ve made matters worse by putting it off for so long. The old ostrich-head-in-the-sand routine is not doing me any favors.

Similarly, manufacturers that are not proactively looking for ways to weather the current economic storm through the diversification of their product base or the reduction of energy consumption, for example, are kidding themselves. Energy prices are not going to demonstrably decrease any time soon, and the economy isn’t going to turn around on a dime. We must work smarter.

Case in point: a fused silica producer recently expanded its facilities to meet the increasing demand for the burgeoning solar energy market, and the project included the addition of new periodic kilns that feature pulse-fired burners and fuel-efficient combustion systems. Learn more in “Efficient Firing Solution.”

Similarly, microwave processing can offer some manufacturers reduced costs and shorter firing cycles compared to traditional firing. Studies have shown potential cost savings ranging from $48,000 to $358,000 annually. “Ride the Wave” has the details.

Manufacturers can also optimize their firing processes by incorporating advanced kiln furniture systems to suit their specific applications. Concepts like geometry, density, composition and grain structure all have an impact, and understanding them will help manufacturers increase the life of their kiln furniture. See “The Heat Is On” for more.

New Editor's Blog

I’m so excited to announce the launch of our new Editor’s Blog on CI's website at www.ceramicindustry.com. I’ll be exploring topics ranging from pressing industry issues and news to more general information regarding the economy, the housing crunch and more. Please post your comments, start a discussion and help build dialogue.

The Editor’s Blog will also periodically feature Guest Bloggers, and we’re actively seeking volunteers. Whether you want to sound off on recent world events or bring an important industry issue to the forefront, readers will benefit from your insights and experiences. Please contact me at (330) 336-4098 or suttons@bnpmedia.com for details on how to become a Guest Blogger.

Links

Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to Ceramic Industry Magazine.

Recent Articles by Susan Sutton

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Multimedia

Videos

Image Galleries

November 2014 Issue Highlights

Our November 2014 issue is now available! Posted: March 31, 2015.

Podcasts

Ceramics Expo podcast
Editor Susan Sutton discusses the upcoming Ceramics Expo with event director Adam Moore.
More Podcasts

Ceramic Industry Magazine

CI April 2015 edition

2015 April

You'll want to check out our continuing coverage of the inaugural Ceramics Expo event, plus articles on dental ceramics, glass coatings, refractories, and more!

Table Of Contents Subscribe

Daily News

We know where you find the latest ceramic industry news (ahem), but where do you catch up on the rest of your daily news?
View Results Poll Archive

THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY STORE

M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\Ceramics Industry\handbook of advanced ceramics.gif
Handbook of Advanced Ceramics Machining

Ceramics, with their unique properties and diverse applications, hold the potential to revolutionize many industries, including automotive and semiconductors.

More Products

Clear Seas Research

Clear Seas ResearchWith access to over one million professionals and more than 60 industry-specific publications,Clear Seas Research offers relevant insights from those who know your industry best. Let us customize a market research solution that exceeds your marketing goals.

STAY CONNECTED

facebook_40px twitter_40px  youtube_40pxlinkedin_40google+ icon 40px

Directories

CI Data Book July 2012

Ceramic Industry's Directories including Components, Equipment Digest, Services, Data Book & Buyers Guide, Materials Handbook and much more!